Hemlock Soil

Downy rattlesnake plantain is ending its first year with us.  The texture and color of its leaves are obvious reasons for this purchase.  Up until a rabbit nipped of the flower stalk, this orchid had settled in to our shade garden nicely.  Of course we plan to buy more plants next spring and a wire cage will keep the rabbits away.  Three of each variety seems like an absolute minimum for a decent display.  We want this plant to thrive here and read that soil under hemlock trees promotes impressive growth.

We have hemlock trees growing in great numbers in our back woods.  Tools and containers were trucked close to where these trees have grown undisturbed for decades.  This dead tree has drawn the attention of at least one Pileated woodpecker.  The sound created with its drilling for food carries for a great distance.  We scooped up 20 gallons of suitable soil under several trees.  We mined in different locations to lessen the disturbance in any one place.  Kicking nearby soil into our holes left the area looking undisturbed by humans .

The area close to the Rattlesnake plantain was carefully filled with sifted forest soil.  At some distance away from the roots of the existing plant, excavation opened deeper areas for this rich acidic woods dirt.  If we can find more plants next spring, their new homes are now move in ready.

Close by is another plant that is described as a ground cover.  Bunchberry has never done much for us.  We manage to keep it alive for a year or two but it never expands to new ground.  Here again we read that this plant thrives under hemlock trees.  Our hemlock trees are far to remote to plant bunchberry under them but we can still bring proper soil to the desired location in our woodland garden.  Here again new plants will be purchased to see if we can approach growth that resembles a ground cover.  This having the soil ready before new plants are purchased feels like a responsible way to garden.  It is amazing just how long it has taken us to put this plan into action.  Even so we know that a new plant discovery will occur while we are buying the planned for  plants. 

Planting In The Rain

We are trying for the third time to find a successful location for Bunchberry.  Our first attempt resulted in a plant that barely held on while getting smaller each year.  Our second try featured bare root plants since our supplier located in the mid west could not ship plants in pots because of an invasion of jumping worms.  Those plants just died during their first year here.  This plant is by far the largest that we have ever seen.  If more than one plant had been in stock, we would have purchased three.  Perhaps when we return new stock will have arrived.  If not, we will go with just one plant.

Reading has given us additional information that might improve this plants chances of survival here.  We have no control over our elevation above sea level so this plant will have to adjust to where we are.  We can control the soil and this spot was filled with a mix of soil taken from under a Hemlock tree and a White Pine.  Poor acidic soil is reported to be where Bunchberry thrives in the wild.  A White Pine supplied the top mulch as shown by the cone.  This plant began to separate into pieces as the potting medium was rinsed clear but it was planted as a single unit.  Now we watch and wait hoping that the third time is the charm.

We were concerned about these Jack In The Pulpits.  Last year, following a generous set of bright red berries, something walked here and broke all of the plants.  The surface was littered with plant parts.  As is sometimes the case, worry was not warranted.  Eight beautiful plants have held their ground and are off to an impressive start this year.  Low temperatures and rain are in the forecast for the next several nights.  Perhaps the rain will offset the negative effects of cold air.  No seeds will follow if these plants experience frost.  This is intended to be a native plant garden growing as if they were in the wild so no protective cover will be in place.  Here again we will watch and wait.